During their stay in Abyssinia, the companions spoke of Islam, its principals and of their beloved Prophet (sa) to their new Nazarene and Christian neighbors. Many of the Koranic narratives were very similar to those the Nazarenes and Christians already knew, however, other narratives were new and this, together with tender, loving accounts they had heard about the Prophet’s character kindled an earnest desire to know more about Islam and its Prophet (sa), for some knew from their Books that another prophet would come and wondered if this might be he. With these matters pressing upon their minds, the Abyssinians decided to send a delegation to Mecca to hear the Prophet (sa) speak first hand, and then return home to report the news to those unable to accompany them.

The Arrival in Mecca

Upon reaching Mecca, the delegation went to the Ka'ba where they found Prophet Muhammad (sa). As they made their way across its courtyard they passed by Abu Jahl and a group of hostile Koraysh busy in a meeting, however, their presence did not go unnoticed. The delegation approached the Prophet (sa) and happiness radiated from his face as he greeted and welcomed them to sit down and join him.

There were so many questions they wanted to ask about Islam and the Prophet (sa) in his endearing, knowledgeable way answered all in a way that satisfied their hearts. Then, he recited portions of the Koran and their eyes filled, overflowing with tears. They knew without a shadow of doubt that the man before them was indeed the Prophet of Allah, the one whose coming Jesus, the son of Mary had prophesied and that they had been blessed to meet him. When the Prophet (sa) invited them to embrace Islam they accepted without the slightest reservation. Allah tells us:

“You will find hat the most people in enmity to the believers are the Jews and idolaters, and that the nearest in affection to the believers are those who say: ‘We are Nazarenes.’ That is because amongst them there are priests and monks; and because they are not proud.

When they listen to that which was sent down to the Messenger, you will see their eyes fill with tears as they recognize its truth. They say: ‘Lord, we believe. Write us among the witnesses. Why should we not believe in Allah and in the truth that has come down to us? Why should we not hope for admission among the righteous?’ For their words Allah has rewarded them with Gardens underneath which rivers flow where they shall live for ever. Such is the recompense of the righteous. But those who disbelieve and belie Our verses shall be the companions of Hell.” (Koran 5:82-86)

From afar, Abu Jahl and his companions monitored the meeting and when the joyous Abyssinians passed them as they left the courtyard of Ka'ba, Abu Jahl and his companions stopped them saying, "Indeed, you are a feeble group. Your people sent you here to bring them news about that man, then after you had sat with him for a short while you renounced your religion and now believe what he says. You are very foolish!" But his words fell upon deaf ears, the happiness of certain belief engulfed their hearts and they returned to Abyssinia to tell their families and friends the good news.

The Migrants Return from Abysinnia

Some time after the return of the delegation a false report reached Abyssinia that the Koraysh had accepted Islam. There was great happiness amongst the migrants and some, including Lady Rukayyah, daughter of the Prophet (sa) together with her cousins, could not wait to be with the Prophet (sa) once again, for they loved him dearer than anyone else in the world and their separation from him had been a great hardship.

However, Jafar and Ubayd remained in their adopted country to preach. It was a long journey but a happy one until they were but a few miles outside Mecca when they learned, to their great dismay, that the report was far from accurate. They knew it would be dangerous to enter Mecca altogether, so it was decided that each family should make their way secretly into its Muslim sector and pray they would not be detected.